Hernias in men, a common condition often ignored until it’s too late

FOR many men, the occasional ache or bulge in the abdomen is brushed off as nothing serious. But beneath the surface, hernias are more common, and potentially more dangerous, than many realise.

Silent at first, these conditions often develop gradually, only surfacing when discomfort becomes too hard to ignore or complications arise. Thanks to modern surgical techniques, however, treatment has become more efficient, less invasive, and quicker to recover from, if caught in time.

What is a Hernia?

A hernia occurs when an internal organ or tissue pushes through a weakened section of muscle or connective tissue.

Though often underestimated, hernias are far from rare. In 2019 alone, global data recorded 32.53 million cases of inguinal, femoral, and abdominal hernias, with 13.02 million new diagnoses, most affecting men between the ages of 50 and 69.

Roughly one in four men in this group will experience an inguinal hernia at some point in their lives.

Sunway City, Sunway Medical Centre, General Surgery and Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery consultant Dr Soon Yuen highlighted that men are more prone to hernias largely due to their distinct anatomical makeup.

“During early development, the testicles descend from inside the abdomen into the scrotum, passing through the abdominal wall.

“This process creates the inguinal canal, which remains a naturally weak spot and predisposes men to hernias, especially inguinal ones,” he said.

Hernias form when the internal pressure in the abdomen exceeds the strength of the surrounding wall, taking advantage of these anatomical vulnerabilities.

Contributing risk factors include obesity, chronic coughing or constipation, a history of abdominal surgery, and activities involving heavy lifting or strain.

Spotting the signs early

Dr Soon also shared that the symptoms vary depending on the type of hernia, which may include inguinal, umbilical, Spigelian, or even lumbar hernias.

“While some hernias may remain asymptomatic, others may cause noticeable swelling, discomfort, or pain. Patients often present either with a visible lump or pain,” he added.

Delaying hernia treatment can result in serious complications, he said, as approximately five per cent of cases may progress to incarceration or strangulation.

In these situations, a portion of the intestine becomes trapped and cannot be repositioned, leading to severe pain, nausea, vomiting, and potentially life-threatening outcomes.

Dr Soon highlighted that emergency surgery is often required, with a higher risk of complications if the condition is not addressed promptly.

Modern approaches in hernia repair

Surgical repair remains the only definitive treatment for hernias, as they do not resolve on their own.

Dr Soon explained that the choice of procedure depends on the type and severity of the hernia, with options ranging from conventional open surgery to minimally invasive techniques.

One of the latest advancements is single-port surgery, which uses just one small incision. He noted that this method offers several benefits over traditional and laparoscopic approaches, including reduced scarring, less post-operative pain, and a shorter recovery time.

Most patients who undergo single-port hernia repair are able to return home on the same day and resume light activities within three to seven days.

Reducing risk and encouraging early action

While certain risk factors, such as age and anatomy, cannot be changed, Dr Soon believes lifestyle choices play a crucial role in prevention.

He advised maintaining a healthy weight, building core strength, using proper lifting techniques, and managing chronic conditions like constipation or persistent coughing to reduce hernia risk.

He also stressed the importance of early diagnosis and intervention. Addressing a hernia early not only eases the surgical process but significantly improves recovery outcomes and overall quality of life.

“Seeking medical attention early improves recovery outcomes and quality of life,” he added.

Empowering patients through education

Beyond surgery, Dr Soon highlighted the importance of educating patients and involving them in decision-making.

He believes that well-informed patients who actively participate in their care plans are more likely to follow through with post-operative guidance and have better long-term outcomes.

“Engaging patients in the decision-making process empowers them to make informed choices and actively participate in their treatment journey.

“This approach improves outcomes and minimises the recurrence rate when patients understand and follow their care plan.”

With continuous advancements in medical techniques and a growing emphasis on patient-centred care, hernia repair is becoming safer and more efficient.

But early awareness remains the most powerful tool, one that can make all the difference in avoiding complications and achieving a full recovery.